Sculptra Vs. Other Dermal Fillers

First of all, what is Sculptra ? Sculptra is an injectable liquid used to add volume to areas of the face to create a soft, natural, more youthful re-contouring of the face. It stimulates your skin’s own natural collagen production to help restore inner structure and create volume that has been lost due to aging. It is intended for people with healthy immune systems as a one time treatment regimen which can include up to 4 treatment sessions that are scheduled about 3 weeks apart.

What is Sculptra made of and is it FDA approved?

Sculptra (generic name is “poly-L-lactic acid” or PLLA) is a synthetic of lactic acid. Lactic acid is made in our muscles after exercise. Polylactic acid is lactic acid molecules stuck together in strings (a polymer). It is made in a laboratory and contains no animal products and no human DNA. It very gradually disappears by the action of your own cell enzymes. In 2009 Sculptra got its full FDA approval for cosmetic use in the United States. It has had partial FDA approval here for over five years. It has been used extensively in Europe for over ten years and is approved in Canada, Europe, and over 20 other countries.

Sculptra Vs. Other Dermal Fillers

Sculptra is intended to fill facial wrinkles and folds such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and chin wrinkles. This can give some lift and help with lines because many wrinkles are created by loss of volume and skin dropping. You may have heard of or tried HA fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, or Voluma which are intended to treat similarly, some designated to treat specific areas. HA fillers can be a great option as well, but generally break down in 6-12 months and 2-3 treatments on average might be needed per year. Voluma can last even longer with multiple syringes. If a smaller amount is needed to correct lines or folds, HA fillers might be a better option and most cost effective over time.

If you are wanting to fill in multiple folds or possibly have an overall rejuvenation in the face like a “ liquid facelift”, Sculptra might be just what you need. It can last up to 2 years and only one maintenance treatment per year.

A clinical study done by Galderma states that 80% of their users were still happy with their results 25 months after their last injection of Sculptra.